Combustion apparatus and process

ABSTRACT

A process for combustion comprising introducing materials for combustion and exposing them to an electrical charge which can be an electrostatic charge provided through a corona discharge means or any other suitable means to charge the respective materials that are to be combined in the combustion process. The materials for combustion can be specifically a hydrocarbon and air which can be respectively charged negatively or positively to effectuate a greater attraction and mixing of the respective portions of the combustion materials prior to combustion. Furthermore, the portions of the combustion materials which can form radicals can be affected by electrostatic forces to increase or decrease the reactive electrons or formulate them in such a manner so that they will react in a more favorable manner. For instance, hydrocarbon materials can be at least partially cracked in order to place them in a state closer to the actual products that reach a final state of combustion. Apparatus is disclosed for practicing the foregoing process by means of different combustion configurations wherein positive and negative charges can be applied to the materials for combustion. Specifically, a corona discharge means, as well as electrical charging means, can be employed to apply the foregoing charges to create radicals or more intimate mixing of the combustion materials to a state closer to the completed combustion process. The apparatus incorporates means for introducing both primary and secondary materials of combustion so as to combine them in optimum conditions depending on the nature of the hydrocarbons to be reacted.

United States Patent [1 1 Bethel [451 Oct. 15, 1974 1 COMBUSTIONAPPARATUS AND PROCESS [76] Inventor: George Frazier Bethel, 3719 ParkGreen Dr., Corona Del Mar, Calif. 91720 [22] Filed: Sept. 25, 1972 [21]Appl. No.: 291,748

[52] U.S. Cl 431/8, 431/2, 60/39.65, 60/39.72, 60/275, 60/307, 123/119E, 423/212 [51] Int. Cl. F23b 7/00, F02m 27/04, F0ln 3/10 [58] Field ofSearch..... 123/119 E; 60/39.01, 39.72, 60/202, 275, 39.65; 204/168-172;55/101,

OTHER PUBLICATIONS Jakosky, J. 1., Effects of the Corona Discharge onPetroleum, Tech. Paper 375, Bureau of Mines, 1926, pp. 11-21.

Primary ExaminerWilliam L. Freeh Assistant ExaminerRobert E. Garrett 5 7ABSTRACT A process for combustion comprising introducing materials forcombustion and exposing them to an electrical charge which can be anelectrostatic charge provided through a corona discharge means or anyother suitable means to charge the respective materials that are to becombined in the combustion process. The materials for combustion can bespecifically a hydrocarbon and air which can be respectively chargednegatively or positively to effectuate a greater attraction and mixingof the respective portions of the combustion materials prior tocombustion. Furthermore, the portions of the combustion materials whichcan form radicals can be affected by electrostatic forces to increase ordecrease the reactive electrons or formulate them in such a manner sothat they will react in a more favorable manner. For instance,hydrocarbon materials can be at least partially cracked in order toplace them in a state closer to the actual products that reach a finalstate of combustion.

Apparatus is disclosed for practicing the foregoing process by means ofdifferent combustion configurations wherein positive and negativecharges can be applied to the materials for combustion. Specifically, acorona discharge means, as well as electrical charging means, can beemployed to apply the foregoing charges to create radicals or moreintimate mixing of the combustion materials to a state closer to thecompleted combustion process. The apparatus incorporates means forintroducing both primary and secondary materials of combustion so as tocombine them in optimum conditions depending on the nature of thehydrocarbons to be reacted.

5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENIED BUT I 5? 4 SIIEEI' 30F 3 HAIR INAIR IN EXHAUST FIG. 8

FIG. 9'

COMBUSTION APPARATUS AND PROCESS BACKGROUND OF THE INENTION l.Field ofthe Invention The field of this invention lies within the combustionart.

2. The Prior Art The prior art related to combustion incorporates theintroduction of combustion materials such as air and fuel into an areawhere combustion is to take place. In most combustion processes air andfuel are introduced in a favorable mixture so as to provide a suitableamount of oxygen to react the hydrocarbons of the fuel. In many cases,an excess amount of air above stoichiometric proportions is required toreact the hydrocarbons because of the fact that the oxygen thereincannot reach and react with all of the hydrocarbons. As a consequence,the reaction is not as perfect as it might be.

The prior art has also attempted to create optimum dispersion of thematerials to be combusted by means of spray atomozing some of thematerials such as liquid or pulverized hydrocarbons. Furthermore,vaporization techniques for vaporizing hydrocarbons such as fuel oil andkerosene have been utilized so that a greater dispersion of thehydrocarbons within the mixture of oxygen and hydrocarbons can beprovided. It is well known in the boiler combustion art to provide aspraying atomizer with air around the spraying nozzle to pick up theatomized particles for purposes of mixing and burning. The use of suchtechniques generally provides atomized particles which are eitherquenched, not fully reacted, or cannot engage sufficient oxygen to fullyreact.

Certain spraying swirlers, diffusers, and introduction of secondary airis sometimes utilized to control the combustion reaction. Specifically,conical swirlers and other elements creating vortices have been utilizedto create a swirling effect on the fuel or air being introduced. Bycreating such vortices and swirls, the materials of combustion have agreater tendency to enter into a turbulent condition for a fullermixture thereof.

As can be appreciated, even when the above swirlers and diffusers areutilized, they do not cause an attraction between the respectivematerials or molecules that are to react with each other. It is thisclose-proximate relationship that is sought in most combustion processesin order to create intimate mixing. In some cases, even intimate mixingcannot effectuate a complete reaction because of the fact that thematerials usually do not have a long enough residence time.

Residence time is a crucial criteria for reaction. For instance, if theresidence time of the materials is small, the reaction must take placevery quickly or else it will be incomplete. In other words, in mostcases when air providing oxygen and a hydrocarbon are introduced forpurposes of combustion, they should be intimately mixed. For intimatemixing, of course, there must be a certain amount of residence timebefore a complete mixture thereof is provided. As a consequence, manycombustion processes do not use the residence time required in the givenreaction.

As materials for combustion are introduced into a chamber where they areto be reacted for combustion purposes, they go through the process ofmixing as well as reacting. For instance, it is known that the materialsfor combustion generally'go through certain steps in a chemicalbreakdown which is analogous to cracking. In other words, the materialspass from long chain molecules to shorter chain molecules so that theywill be able to react more favorably. As they move through thecombustion reaction cycle, the materials of combustion are at the sametime being intimately mixed. Also, the process of combustion is onewhere the short chain molecules are in part created by the heat ofreaction. However, it is thought that the heat of reaction cannot befully utilized in many cases because of quenching and intimate mixturerequirements not being met prior to the complete reaction.

It is thought that this invention overcomes the deficiencies of theprior art by creating an intimate mixture. The intimate mixture iscreated by electrostatic or electrical forces which help to mix hematerials. The air, in one example, can be positively charged while thefuel is negatively charged through a corona discharge means. In such asituation, it is thought that the air is closely drawn to thehydrocarbons. As a consequence of the foregoing, the intimate mixtureproblems is resolved at least in part by bringing the materials forcombustion closely together to have them react with each other.

In addition to the foregoing increased mixing provided by thisinvention, the electrical or electrostatic charge can help to createradicals or cause cracking of the molecules. In this manner, the longchain molecules which eventually have to be cracked to shorter chainmolecules is enhanced. Specifically, it is thought that the electricalor electrostatic forces can crack the materials for combustion to causea reaction-which is closer to completion. In other words, if thematerials of combustion can be advanced during the entire cycle ofcombustion, the reaction should be more complete.

In addition to the foregoing advantages, it is thought that thisinvention can be utilized to control the different portions of thecombustion process. This invention enables secondary air to beintroduced for reacting those unreacted portions of the combustionmaterials by intimately mixing them at a second stage in the reaction.For instance, it is known that certain products of combustion remain inthe emissions from the combustion process as residue. This residue isusually either emitted as a pollutant or is sought to be combusted in anafterburning process. Some afterburning processes require anintroduction of air. However, it is thought that this invention, byutilizing the introduction of secondary air that is electrically chargedwith respect to the materials in the afterburner, can provide a morecomplete reaction.

It s thought that a more complete reaction on a sustained basis can beeffectuated by this invention in a manner whereby noxious emissions suchas nitrous oxides can be decreased. As a consequence, this invention isthought to be a substantial step over the state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In summation, this invention is a new and novelprocess and apparatus employing electrical and electrostatic charges toeffect more complete combustion.

More specifically, this invention incorporates a process utilizing meansfor positively or negatively charging the respective materials ofcombustion so that they can be attracted to each other for more intimatemixing. In addition to mixing, this invention can incorporate means forcreating a series of relatively shorter chain molecules which have beencracked from the longer chain molecules, so as to place them at a moreadvantageous level for combustion. The process can also create radicalsthat are desirably utilized for combustion. Additionally, the processcan incorporate the introduction of secondary materials for combustionto create a more desirable afterburner reaction, so that anyproductswhich are not completely combusted can be carried closer to amore complete combustion process.

The apparatus of this invention can incoporate various mixers, swirlersatomizers, vaporizers andother means for introducing fuels in variousforms. The fuel can be charged to intimately react with other materialsof combustion such as air. The apparatus can be housed in any suitablecontainer and the electrical or electrostatic forces applied by anysuitable means. However, in many cases, a corona discharge means can beutilized to cause a charging of the respective materials of combustionbecause of its capability and economy of operation. The invention canutilize the placement of electrical charging means to promote crackingand more intimate mixing in various zones as well as the initial zone ofintroduction, depending upon the configuration and type of combusterutilized. As a final summation of this invention, it can be considered ameans and apparatus for intermixing the materials of conbustion, causingthem to initially react to a greater degree through electrostatic orelectrical forces, and controlling the reaction to a more favorabledegree at secondary levels of combustion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of analternative embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thisinvention for creating a corona effect with a fuel and air mixture forheating boiler tubes;

FIG. 7 shows a fragmented sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthis invention;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of this invention for use with an internalcombustion engine to control the intake and afterburning effectsthereof; and,

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment for use with an internal combustionengine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The General Configuration andProcess Looking specifically at FIGS. 6 and 7, and more particularlyFIG. 7, a burner 10 having an outer case 12 is shown. The outer casing12 provides a conduit 14 for the conduction of air. The air can beintroduced by any system such as is known in naval boilers and utilityboilers of the type having a forced draft blower. The air in the conduit14 can be preheated and premixed with any other suitable gas source forpurposes of enhancing combustion. The air in the conduit 14 can beprovided by taking it from a preheater or from an outside source, orother suitable means for providing air which is clean and suitable forcombustion.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the air in conduit 14 has beencharged with a positive charge. However, it is not necessary that theair be purposefully charged. In many embodiments the air after havingbeen driven through a conduit gathers a positive charge. It is thoughtthat this is due to the electrons in the air tending to become dislodgedand seeking the ground potential of the generally conductive network ofthe ducts. As a consequence, in some applications of this invention, itis not necessary to positively charge the air as it is introduced.

Suffice it to say a positive charge has been provided the air by meansof positive potential or at E.M.F. point 16 delivered to a conductor 18,having parallel conductors 20 and 22. The conductors 20 and 22 can bprovided with discharge areas 24 and 26.

The fuel is introduced through a conduit 28 surrounded by a wall, whichtapers down to a nozzle 32. The nozzle 32 can be in the form of anysuitable atomizer nozzle, or in the form known in the boiler art. Aninsulated electrical conductor 34 passes through the conduit 28. Theinsulated conductor 34 terminates at a corona discharge point 36. Thecorona discharge point is extrinsic in this instance to the fuel nozzle32 so that a constant charge of negative electrons is provided at thecorona discharge point 36. The electrostatic discharge point 36connected to the conductor 34, can be protected from corona dichargebehind point 36 and theconduit 28 by means of an insulator 38 whichserves the function of a conical nozzle center.

The corona discharge point 36 emits electrons that create a generallynegative field shown by lines of electrostatic and mechanical flow 40.the areas adjacent the lines of flow 40 provide negatively charged fuelparticles 42 which can be in the form of atomized or vaporized fuel assmall as a molecule. The fuel particles 42 retain at least a partialnegative charge and are attracted to air particles 44 having oxygenmolecules which are at a more positive charge thanthe fuel.

Thus, more intimate mixing is provided between the oxygen molecules andfuel 42. As a consequence, each respective portion of the materials forcombustion are drawn to each other to provide greater'molecularattraction above that normally provided in an uncharged mass of fuel andair. I It is thought that not only do the fuel molecules 42 link withthe oxygen of the airparticles 42 in a more intimate manner, but arealso brought to a higher level of reaction. In other words, the fuelparticles 42 upon receiving a negative charge are placed in a moreactive relationshipthan they would have been, but for the charge. Thisis due in part, it is thought, to the production of radicals andcracking;

BOILER EMBODIMENT Looking more specifically at FIG. 6, an outer casing50 is shown containing an air conduit 52. The air conduit 52 is incircumferential relationship to an inner fuel conduit 54 having innerside walls 56. The outer conduit 52 having wall 50 provides delivery ofair to an outlet 58. Although the air has not been purposefully charged,it has a relative positive charge by virtue of its movement.

Internally of the fuel conduit 54, an insulated conduit 60 is providedhaving a conductive lead 62 connected to a power souce 63 to provide acorona discharge at point 64. The corona discharge point 64 can beinsulated by an insulator 66 in the form of a conical discharge nozzle.

As can be seen, a number of fuel particles 66 are circulating in thegeneral environment of the corona discharge points 64. The fuelparticles 66 tend to pick up the negative charge provided by the coronadischarge point 64 so that they will be negatively charged and attractedto air moving through conduit 52.

A series of boiler tubes 70 are shown connected to a ground 72. Thus,the negatively charged fuel 66 is drawn toward the grounded boiler tubes70. Although it is not necessary to discretely ground the boiler tubes70 in any specific manner, because oftentimes they are grounded by theirnatural physical environment, this embodiment shows a ground forpurposes of explanatron.

The negative charge provided the fuel 66 can be of sufficient magnitudethat the total mixture of air and fuel is at a potential above ground.As a consequence,

a distinct flame front can be more discretely estab-' lished by virtueof the fact that the materials of combustion travel toward the boilertubes 70. Also, it is possible to create a situation wherein the flamefront can at least partially envelope the tubes 70. In other words, itis thought that as the particles 66 which have been negatively charged,pick up air having a relatively positive charge, they will tend toenvelope the tubes 70. This is substantially different from materials ofcombustion dispersed in an interfacial realtionship toward the exposedside of the tubes 70 where the fuel is initially introduced. In thismanner, the fuel will tend to envelope the boiler tubes 70 and create aflame front around the boiler tubes 70 due to the attraction of thenegatively charged particles 66 thereto. Also, a flame front can beestablished in a more refined relationship to the boiler tubes 70,providing a more even heating thereof.

As can be appreciated, the air can be charged to a limited degree as itis introduced through the conduit 52. In this manner, a more discretemixing can take place, Furthermore, in some instances it would bedesirable to create a partial cracking of the fuel molecules 66 orcreate radicals thereof. In other words, the fuel molecules 66 can beelectrostatically broken down from longer chain molecules to shorterchain molecules, thereby creating more combustible materials. These morecombustible materials are of course more completely reacted in theirtime frame reference and can eliminate many of the problems attendantwith obnoxious emissions of combustion products.

As in the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the electrical charge canbe provided to the air or the fuel in opposite relationship. In otherwords, the fuel can be positively chargedand the air negatively charged,or vice versa, depending upon the nature of the overall process.Furthermore, in some cases it might be desirable to provide a dielectricsurface or interior to the conduits so as to prevent a grounding of thematerials for combustion. Thus, the reaction chamber and conduits can becoated with a ceramic or any other suitable dielectric of a hightemperature strength to prevent a grounding of the charged materials.

A particular characteristic of this invention worth noting is the factthat the fuel particles generally bear a like charge. This like chargecauses the particles to mutually repel each other. The repulsion ofcourse spreads the fuel particles apart and causes them to more rapidlyassume a reactive nature by not only greater combination with theoxygen, but also greater general activity.

alternative burners Looking more specifically at FIG. 1, a burnerconfiguration is shown having an outer shell 80. The outer shell has aseries of burners 82, 84, and 86 therein. The burners 82, 84 and 86 aresurrounded by air from a conduit 88. The air 88 is spread outwardly byspreaders 90 and 92 for mixture with the fuel from the burners 82, 84and 86. The burners 82, 84 and 86 each have a probe 98, and 102 thereinfor purposes of creating an electrostatic charge on the fuel. As thefuel is delivered in parallel to the burners 82, 84 and 86 through theconduit 104, it ismixed with the air being delivered through the conduit88. The air and fuel mixture are combusted by means of a spark plugwhich has a lead 1 12 therefrom for purposes of providing electricalenergy.

Air direction veins 114 and 1 16 are provided in order to bring the airand fuel mixture into more intimate relationship for burning. As can beappreciated, the utput at conduit 118 is of a substantially burnednature.

The interior of the chamber can be provided with a dielectric materialsuch as a ceramic, to prevent grounding of the charged fuel. Also, eachrespective burner 82, 84 and 86 can be insulated in its support toprevent grounding out of the fuel particles to the burner walls 80.Additionally, the air can be charged as well as the fuel in any suitablemanner either positively or negatively, or vice versa.

It should be understood that the burner configurations disclosed aboveor hereinafter can be utilized with boilers, gas turbines, jet enginesand other heating apparatus.

FIG. 2

Looking at FIG. 2, a burner is seen having an outer casing 120. Theburner casing 120 is supported at its rear end by a frame 122 and at itsfront end by a frame 124. The casing 120 serves to support a conduit 126for the delivery of air. The air is delivered to a space 128, which isprovided between an inner casing 130 and the outer casing 120. The innercasing 130 and the outer casing 120 provide a pressurized air plenum inthe chamber 128 so that air can be delivered through the ports providedfor mixture of the air with the fuel.

Fuel is provided by means of a fuel delivery conduit 132 which deliversfuel through a jet 134 that can be in the form of any suitable jet forpurposes of creating an adequate mixture of the fuel with the air. Theair is delivered by means of a conduit 136 into a major combustion area138. The major combustion area 138 is provided with a spark plug 140.The major combustion area 138 is generally surrounded by a tubularmember 142. 1

The internal chamber 130 can be made of, or have a dielectric materialinterior coating. An outer shell 144 is provided for covering the innerupright supports 122. The ceramic material or dielectric of the innerconduit 130 can be made of any suitable high temperature insulator toprevent grounding of the combustion materials that are being combustedwithin a generally elongated chamber 146 within the inner conduit 130.

A power source connected to a lead 150 is provided for purposes ofcreating a corona discharged at a point 152. The corona 152 serves tonegatively charge the air generally for combustion so that it will beeffectively charged to mix with the uncharged fuel coming in through theconduit or nozzle 134. Since mixing and combustion take place in aninsulated combustion chamber, there is an attraction between the chargedair and uncharged fuel because of the potential difference existingbetween them. That is, the charged air is attracted to the unchargedfuel as to ground. The mixture takes place and can be ignited by way ofthe spark plug 140.

As the mixture moves down through tube 130, it tends to be fairly wellcombusted. However, in order to achieve a greater degree ofafterburning, air is delivered through the ports 154. The air from ports154 is negatively charged by a conductor 156 delivering current tocorona discharge points 158 within the ports 154. This serves to causean attraction of the fuel to the air by reason of the difference inpotential for further combustion of the hot gases which have notcompletely burned at the point where the air is delivered to ports 154.

it should be understood that the reverse charging action can take place,wherein the fuel is charged through jet 138 and the air delivered forinitial combustion is not charged. As previously alluded to, oftentimesair has. a positive charge on it by having been passed through agrounded conduit. As a consequence, the air having the positive chargewill be attracted to fuel which has a negative charge. I

It should also be understood that the fuel can be introduced in a spray,mist, or in a gaseous form. lt is of tentimes necessary to vaporize aliquid fuel into the gaseous state before it is delivered. in manycases, in the use of this entire invention it is desirable to vaporizefuel to place the reacting molecules more fullyin a position to bereacted with the othermaterials to be combusted. namely the oxygen.Thus, any suitable vaporizers for vaporizing liquid fuel can be utilizedwith this invention. such as circuitous paths in adjacent relationshipto heat exchangers, or any other suitable means. It is also thought thatthe fuel when charged even in its vaporized state, will tend to dispersemore readily due to the like charged fuel particles repelling eachother.

Figure 3 Looking more specifically at HO. 3, a fuel burner 160 havingwalls 161 is shown having a fuel conduit 162 for the delivery of fuelthrough fuel inlets 164 and 166. The fuel inlets 164 and 166 deliverfuel to the respective nozzles 168 and 170. An air conduit 172 deliversair, and has an interior surface 174 or coating which is insulated fromground by having ceramic or dielectric properties. The dielectricmaterial 174 or inner coating prevents the charge from being grounded.

Air is introduced through conduit 172 and charged by a grid 176, as wellas a corona dischrage point 178. The corona discharge point 178 can besubstituted by a corona wire. In addition thereto, the grid 176 can besubstituted by a corona discharge wire so that the air passing thereintoreceives a positive charge. As previously alluded to, it is thought thatthe air can oftentimesbe positively charged by virtue of the fact thatit runs through grounded conduits in a continuous manner.

The combination of the air and fuel enter into a spiral swirler area 180in the general configuration shown in F 16. 4. The spiral swirler 180tends to swirl the materials for combustion, namely the positivelycharged air and the fuel to the point where they become turbulent in thezone immediately downstream from the swirler 180.

The swirler 180 that can be utilized for many of the embodiments of thisinvention, has a plate 228 which can be bolted in place by openings 230.The openings 230 can be utilized in any particular manner to bolt theplate 228 in place. Furthermore, the plate 228 can be welded in place orsecured in any other suitable manner. The swirler has a series of vanes232 which tend to swirl the fuel and/or air in a suitable manner so thatit emanates from the openings or passages 234 to create turbulent andwell mixed materials for combustion.

A series of openings 182 and 184 can be optionally provided in acircumferential relationship around the swirler 180. These openings 182and 184 allow for the passage of uncharged air which has been introducedinto the minor air passages 186 and 188 so that uncharged air can beintroduced in adjacent relationship to the fuel and charged aircombination which has been injected at the downstream portion of theswirler 180. In some situations, this optional configuration might bedesirable for purposes of providing certain radical formations, orgreater mixing.

Theair and fuelcombination can be combusted by means of a spark plug 190which is connected to a line 192 connected to any suitable electricalsource to create a spark at the tip of the plug 193.

As the combustion takes place in adjacent relationship to the spark plug190, there remains a certain degree of residue material that has notbeen completely combusted. In order to effectuate more substantialcombustion, a negative charge is provided at a grid 194. The grid 194can be substituted by a corona discharge source such as a wire. Thegrid194 is charged througha line 196. The line 196 can charge the grid 194in any suitable manner. in other words, it can be a negativev or.positive charge depending upon the nature of the molecules which havebeen combusted at that particular point. r

Thus, depending upon the particular type of combustion effectuated, thecharge on the grid 194 is maintained at a suitable level to charge theresidue of combustion and to orient it toward a more volatile state,either cracking it, or creating radicals which can be more suitablyburned to completion. ln some cases, the grid 194 can act in a manner tocreate a. further attraction between the residual fuel particles ormolecules and the air molecules optionally introduced through openings182 and 184. This creates a finer intermixture thereof and therefore agreater combustion and reaction in an afterburner process whereinsupplemental air is introduced.

Figure Looking more specifically at FIG. 5, a fuel supply 210 is shownleading into a fuel nozzle 212 which disperses the fuel in a spray. Asin the other embodiments of this invention, the fuel supply 210 can bepreviously vaporized. The vaporization can take place by heat exchangebetween the products of combustion that have burned and the fuel comingthrough the heated supply line 210. Regardless of whether the fuel isvaporized, or maintained in a gaseous state, it is introduced into atubular structure 214 having surrounding side walls thereto. The tubularstructure 214 confines the products of combustion into the general areaadjacent the nozzle 212. Air is introduced into the area for combustionthrough the conduit 214 at its opening 216.

As the air is brought into the general area for combustion, it ischarged by electrodes 218 and 220. Electrodes 218 and 220 have beenshown as being positively charged. However, it should be understood thatin some instances, it is desirable to negatively charge the electrodes218 and 220 depending upon the desired radical formation of the fuel atthat particular stage.

The fuel in the nozzle 212 is shown being emitted through the openingthereof and charged by a corona or electrode discharge means 224. Thecorona or electrode means 224 can effect substantial charging of thefuel so that it will be attracted to the air coming through the opening216. However, it should be understood that it is not necessary that theparticular polarity of charges on the fuel and the air must be in therespective manner as previously cited. Specifically, the polarity of thecharges can be reversed. Furthermore, as state with regard to the burnergenerally shown in FIG. 2, supplemental air can be introduced orsupplemental fuel appropriately charged in a negative or positivemanner.

The criteria of polarity of the charges supplied for this entireinvention is dependent upon the polarity of the molecules being chargedas well as the nature of their chemical structure. In some cases, forexample when the fuel molecules are highly polar and have a highdielectric constant, it might be advantageous to have the fuel moleculesattacked by air bearing oxygen having a substantially positive charge.However, in other cases, depending upon the nature of the fuelmolecules, it might be more desirable to have air bearing negativecharges attack the fuel molecules. Furthermore. it should be .understoodthat certain charges on the fuel tend to effectuate differentcharacteristics on the cracking of the fuel. Thus, it is preferable thatthis invention be designed for each respective end use.

Figures 8 and 9 Looking more particularly at FIGS. 8 and 9, an internalcombustion engine having a piston 240 and a crank shaft 242 is shown,with a crank case 244. A connect ing rod 246 is shown connecting thecrank shaft 242 to the piston 240. A piston chamber 248 is shown havinga spark plug 250 in the head thereof. A valve port 251 is shown whereinthe introduction of fuel can take place.

The introduction of the fuel can be provided from a fuel conduit source254. Air is introduced from n air intake or air cleaner 256 as is commonwith internal combustion engines. The foregoing mixture-can take placeby means of a carburetor 257 mixing the respective materials forcombustion.

In order to provide a mixture of air and fuel, a positively chargedcorona discharge means 260 is shown so that fuel from the conduit 254can be introduced through a nozzle 262 to be mixed with positivelycharged air.

In addition thereto, the fuel through conduit 254 can be negativelycharged by a negative corona discharge means 264 v generally shown as acorona discharge point. The foregoing charging will effect a furthermixture of the air coming through the air intake 256 and the fuel fromthe fuel intake 254. It is also thought that the fuel is cracked to somedegree by the corona discharge means 264, and the fuel will tend toreact more effectively.

lne each instance for internal combustion engines, depending upon itsdesign, i.e., whether it will be a spark ignition, a diesel, or a wanklestyle engine, the character of the negatively or positively chargedaspects must be taken into consideration. in other words, in somce casesit is advisable to supply a charge to only the fuel or the air, and alsoreverse the polarities as shown. Furthermore, although the chargingmeans 264 for the fuel has been shown in the fuel line 254 for exemplarypurposes, it should be understood that a preferable position is afterthe nozzle 262. In other words, after or during the time the fuel isatomized by the nozzle 262, it can be more readily charged. Also, itshould be noted that in all the previous embodiments it is sometimespreferable to place the charging means in a position outside or directlyadjacent the fuel introduction opening. This is particularly true wherethe fuel is a liquid to be atomized.

An exhaust conduit or manifold 266 is shown in FIG. 8. It is thoughtthat the residue in the exhaust can be more effectively burned if it isprovided with an afterburner. In order to provide an afterburner withappropriate characteristics utilizing this invention, a charging meansin the from of electrode 268 can be inserted in the exhaust conduit 266.Also, an electrode 269 is inserted in an air conduit 271 whichintroduces secondary air. The secondary air in conduit 271 can beintroduced from any suitable source. Also, the charges can be reversedrespectively on the burned residue and the air respectively, or eitherthe secondary air in condduit 271 or the residue in the exhaust can'besolely charged. Thus, when air is introduced to the exhaust, it will mixmore favorably with the residue and react in a more compatible manner.Also, in some cases the fuel residue will be more compatibly oriented asto its chemical charge, to enhance further reaction. The chargingelectrodes have often been shown in this specification as coronadischarge points. However, the charge can be created through a coronadischarge wire, or an electrical field on a grid or any other suitableconductor. Also, the power supply can be alternating or direct currentof a constant or pulsating nature of various polarities, depending onthe specific combustion conditions.

It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments of eachcombustion process is only exemplary. Furthermore, many different fuelscan be used in the invention in solid, liqid or gaseous forms. Examplesof various hydrocarbon fuels which can be used include among others:gasoline, diesel, methane, propane, ethylene, butadiene, coke, andpowdered coal. The principles of the invention can also be applied tothe burning of other types of fuel, as for example those employed inpyrotechnic devices and rockets. As a consequence, the foregoingspecification is only to be read in light of its coverage, scope, andspirit by means of the following claims.

I claim: 1. An apparatus for combustion comprising: a combustionchamber; means for providing a stream of air to said combustion chamber;means for electrically charging at least one of said streams at a firstpotential; means for initiating combustion; and, an element in saidcombustion chamber in distal relationship from where said stream streamare introduced to attract the combustion materials thereto means forproviding a second potential different from said first potential to saidelement 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said element comprises boiler tubes.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second potential isground potential.

4. A process for combustion comprising: providing a stream of fuel;providing a stream of air to be combusted therewith;

fuel is slected from solids, liquids and gases.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent N DatedOctober 15,

lnventofls) George Frazier Bethel It is certified that error appears inthe above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

In Claim 1, line 4, after "chamber-;" insert the phrase: means forproviding a stream of fuel to said chamber;-- line 9 correct "stream"first occurrence to read "streams";

line 10, after "thereto" insert and,"; line l2,after "element" insertSigned and Sealed this third Day of February 1976 [SEAL] Attest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioner ofPatentsand Trademarks

1. An apparatus for combustion comprising: a combustion chamber; meansfor providing a stream of air to said combustion chamber; means forelectrically charging at least one of said streams at a first potential;means for initiating combustion; and, an element in said combustionchamber in distal relationship from where said stream stream areintroduced to attract the combustion materials thereto means forproviding a second potential different from said first potential to saidelement
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said elementcomprises boiler tubes.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid second potential is ground potential.
 4. A process for combustioncomprising: providing a stream of fuel; providing a stream of air to becombusted therewith; electrically charging said fuel and said air streamwith opposite relative respective polarities; introducing said chargedair and fuel streams to each other; initiating combustion of said fueland air to create a flame front; providing a grounded area exposed tosaid fuel and air streams; attracting said fuel and air streams to saidgrounded area; and, stabilizing the flame front of said materials forcombustion as they are attracted towards the grounded area.
 5. Theprocess as claimed in claim 4 wherein: said fuel is slected from solids,liquids and gases.